Bankless

Santi Siri, founder of Proof of Humanity, discusses groundbreaking ways to establish human identity on the blockchain. He passionately connects his work with Universal Basic Income, exploring its potential to uplift communities, especially in Latin America. Santi reflects on his recent insights from Buenos Aires, where innovation thrives despite economic turmoil. He also emphasizes the vital role of self-custody in crypto, and how the community can drive digital democracy and financial inclusion through Web3 technologies.

Alex Gluchowski, CEO & Co-Founder of Matter Labs and zkSync, discusses the groundbreaking introduction of EVM-compatible ZK Rollups on Ethereum’s testnet. He shares insights on the monumental leap in blockchain scalability this represents. The conversation highlights the significance of zero-knowledge proofs in enhancing decentralized solutions. Additionally, Alex reflects on the team's resilience in supporting friends in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of community and innovation amidst challenges in the crypto landscape.

Explore how free markets can truly unlock value as crypto challenges traditional gatekeeping. Discover the transformative power of decentralized finance in reshaping societal values and inclusivity. Delve into the struggles against wealth concentration and the need for fair resource distribution. Hear how Web3 and DeFi empower individuals while envisioning a future centered on collective well-being. This captivating discussion highlights the intersection of finance and culture, revolutionizing the way we perceive value.

Ryan Wyatt, CEO of Polygon Studios and former Head of Gaming at YouTube, dives into the future of crypto gaming and its integration with mainstream platforms. He discusses the challenges and opportunities NFTs bring, addressing the strong resistance from gamers. The conversation highlights the trust issues around blockchain technology and how it can enhance game experiences. Wyatt also explores the potential of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations and the talent migration from Web2 to Web3, painting an optimistic picture for the evolution of gaming economies.

The emotional impact of the Ukrainian conflict on global markets and cryptocurrencies takes center stage. Bitcoin and Ethereum experience significant price fluctuations due to the turmoil. Market reactions echo historical shocks from past wars, drawing parallels to current geopolitical tensions. The rise of venture capital in the crypto space highlights new job opportunities. The discussion also touches on the implications of the DAO hacker's identity and the intriguing NFT surge of 'Invisible Friends,' reflecting the evolving landscape of finance and personal freedom.

Karl Floersch, co-founder of Optimism and advocate for public goods in Ethereum, passionately discusses the transformative potential of retroactive public goods funding. He introduces the concept of Ether's Phoenix, promoting collaboration within the Ethereum community to address societal challenges. The conversation reveals the need to align personal values with technology to build a sustainable financial infrastructure, and how optimism and community can drive meaningful change in a space often overshadowed by speculation.

Kevin Owocki, a leader in crypto collectivism, joins libertarian Erik Voorhees and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang. They dive into the vibrant atmosphere at ETHDenver 2022, debating the merits of individualism versus collectivism in crypto. Yang passionately calls for community engagement towards productive goals. The trio also discusses the transformative potential of blockchain for public goods and sustainable funding, while highlighting the importance of proactive political engagement in shaping the future of Web3 technologies.

In this conversation with Tetranode, an anonymous DeFi whale and prominent crypto commentator, listeners dive into the journey of transforming from a gaming enthusiast to a major market player. Tetranode shares secrets to wealth in DeFi, emphasizing the importance of farmers as alpha generators and his preference for Ethereum over Alt Layer 1s. He also draws intriguing parallels between gaming and crypto investing, revealing strategies for identifying key projects and the influence of whales on market dynamics. Personal anecdotes add depth to his insights on balancing fortune with family.

Dive into the vibrant scene of ETH Denver, where a record 15,000 attendees gather post-pandemic to forge connections and ignite innovation. Explore market movements, as the SEC fines BlockFi and Ukraine legalizes crypto amidst geopolitical tension. Analyze the implications of freezing protester funds in Canada on civil liberties and the sharp rise of decentralized finance. Discover the intriguing cost comparison between iPhones and Ether investments while highlighting the exciting future of a decentralized internet and educational initiatives in the crypto space.

Vitalik Buterin, the visionary founder of Ethereum, discusses key topics in crypto economics and community values. He delves into quadratic funding, emphasizing its role in supporting public goods and the challenges Gitcoin faces. The episode explores the impact of civil resistance on governance, and how innovative funding mechanisms, including NFTs, can enhance inclusivity. Vitalik shares his insights on fostering a decentralized community that values contributions while navigating complex public goods solutions. A compelling take on the future of crypto!